Sugarlands Visitor Center

One of my favorite places to take guests is the Sugarlands Visitor Center. If you live local and have never been there, you are truly missing out. This sophisticated center packs a big punch with its varied display of preserved flora and fauna.

The center also features a  nature trail (that leads to Cataract falls), a 20-minute informative park video, and a gift shop packed with mountain-themed gifts and educational gear.

scenic mountian landscape over a stuffed fox in a museum

The visitors center is one of the best things to do with kids in the Smoky Mountains.

The museum portion of the center is truly the star. The museum has a variety of ranger-led programs. On one of my trips, they were answering questions about bears and had a bear pelt that the kids could touch and feel. 

There are many ferocious taxidermied animals for kids to enjoy including a black bear, a wild boar and a variety of venomous snakes.  There are of course many cute and cuddly animals as well, such as possums, raccoons and different types of owls. All of the animals are behind glass. Some were easier to photograph than others. Like this bushy guy,

Related Read: Kid Friendly Smokies: Clingman’s Dome

stuffed fox at the Sugarlands visitor center museum

and this cuddly girl.

stuffed chipmunk

What kid doesn’t LOVE a good wild cat?

stuffed bob cat

The center also features a nice nature trail, with a dirt path, that leads you down to Cataract Falls. You only have to walk about 1/4 mile to get to the falls.

paved walking path with a trail sign reading "fighting creek nature trail"

The 20 minute informational park video is excellent but best for older kids (middle to late elementary and up). The visuals are stunning and it provides tons of information about the park, much of which I had never heard before. The video details the past, present and future of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Related Read: Kid Friendly Smokies: Grotto Falls

The museum store is also delightful and features a variety of awesome educational tools for kids, including several Smoky Mountain-themed children’s books with amazing photographs! The shelves are also filled with rustic gifts, many of which are made by local artisans.

books and canned food for sale at the visitors center gift shop

Whether you are a permanent resident or a welcomed vacationer, the Sugarlands Visitors Center is an attraction that is not to be missed.

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Written By
Erica Cardinal
Erica is a long-time resident of East TN and the founder of East TN Family Fun. She's also a sucker for a good adventure. Together with her hubs and kiddos, she spends her time exploring, homeschooling, and making memories.

2 thoughts on “Sugarlands Visitor Center”

  1. We’re visiting the Smokies this week for our first time, plus with two small children. Your website has been super helpful with our planning! Thank you for all the insider tips for families. We appreciate your website and info!

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